Mole Valley Farmers

Dairy nutrition plays a critical role in milk production, cow health and lifetime herd performance. In this episode of the Mole Valley Farmers Podcast, renowned dairy nutrition expert Emeritus Professor Jim Drackley from the University of Illinois shares insights from a recent Nutrition Masterclass.The discussion covers feeding strategies for transition cows, calf growth and the development of replacement heifers explaining how nutrition at every stage of life influences productivity and efficiency in the milking herd.From managing energy balance in early lactation to supporting growth in youngstock, the episode offers practical insights for dairy farmers looking to improve herd performance. Presented by Seth Conway.Topics coveredTransition cow nutritionDairy calf growthHeifer developmentAmino acid nutritionImproving milk production

In this episode of the Mole Valley Farmers podcast, we focus on farm safety which is an issue that continues to affect farming families and communities across the UK.In the last reporting year, 23 people lost their lives in farm-related accidents. Tragically, in the current year — which runs until the end of March — that figure has already risen to 27 deaths, including three children.Joined by Lorna Filby, Head of Safety, Wellbeing, Environment and Benefits, and Ed Paine from Mole Valley’s safety team, this episode explores the real risks on farm, from machinery and transport to lone working and mental wellbeing. It’s a conversation about awareness, responsibility and the importance of taking a moment to think before acting — with one simple aim: helping everyone get home safe. Presented by Seth Conway.

In this first episode of the Mole Valley Farmers podcast Season 4, we focus on fertiliser and the key decisions farmers face as spring approaches. Joined by Becky Baston and Sophie Pratt from the Mole Valley fertiliser team, we discuss supply, pricing, logistics and why planning early can make a real difference. The conversation offers practical insight to help farmers stay informed and prepared for the season ahead. Presented by Seth Conway

Discover how Mole Valley Farmers prepares its stores for Christmas. This episode gives you a behind-the-scenes view of seasonal planning - from selecting Christmas gifts and ranges to organising displays and essential winter products. A focused look at how teams work together to create a smooth festive shopping experience. Whilst at the same time continuing to provide all the farming essentials because as we all know, farming never stops! Presented by Seth Conway.

In this episode of The Mole Valley Farmers Podcast, host Seth Conway visits Cattedown Wharves in Plymouth to explore how Mole Valley Farmers’ new port operation is strengthening feed supply across the South West. Hear from the Mole Valley team and the port operators as they explain how this major development gives farmers greater security, flexibility, and sustainability — and why it marks a real game-changer for the cooperative.

For our dairy farmers TPi90 could hold the key to protein dips causing the breakdown of muscles and other protein sources in cows, vital for milk production and the immune system. We’re joined by Dr Kerensa Hawkey and Peter Reis, both expert nutritionists, to talk about a new concept focusing on vital protein during a cow’s transition period. In conversation with presenter Seth Conway.

Safety is paramount when it comes to cattle handling, for both animal and handler. Reducing risks and stress is essential and, in this episode, experts explain all the things to consider when choosing, installing and using cattle handling equipment.Senior team members from IAE and Mole Valley Farmers Product Manager Michael Julian sit down with Seth Conway to share some of their top tips on stress-free, safe cattle handling to increase productivity and efficiency.

Surplus lambs are inevitable on any farm so learning how to make the most of them is essential. Seth Conway speaks to Dr Jessica Cooke from Volac Milk Replacers and Mole Valley Farmers Business Development Manager Bex Deacon who set up her own flock by rearing surplus lambs. They explain how assessing the lambing process as a whole, starting with ewe health pre-tupping, can make all the difference. They also cover the importance of colostrum production in late pregnancy, what methods you can use for feeding, feeding cold versus warm milk replacer and when to introduce creep feed. And they share the things on their lambing checklist you may not have thought of.

Only 20% of agricultural plastic is currently being recycled in the UK. Experts from APE and Berry talk to presenter Seth Conway about why this is so much lower than other European countries. They explain the obstacles farmers face when it comes to recycling and the importance of finding a solution that will be cost effective and convenient.

This is part 2 of our latest podcast with experts from Nukamel, the world’s first milk replacer producer, and Mole Valley Farmers where we're learning how to select the best milk replacer for your calves. Discover the telltale feed ingredients to avoid if you want to maximise calf growth and development, and hear about the best management practices to ensure optimal outcomes for your youngstock.

In this two-part episode experts from Nukamel and Mole Valley Farmers share their advice on calf milk replacer. They discuss how to select the best one, which feed ingredients to avoid to maximise calf growth and best management practices to ensure optimal outcomes for your youngstock. Presenter Seth Conway is joined by Jan Druyts, Drew Coppinger and Charlotte Hodgson.

The importance of the farming industry cooperating and collaborating is often talked about but what does it mean in practice? Join Mole Valley Farmers Chairman Stephen Bone, Chief Executive Jack Cordery, and Farmer Shareholder Sam Passmore as they discuss the unique ethos of Mole Valley Farmers and what that means at a practical farm level for Sam. With the industry arguably facing some of its greatest challenges, Stephen, Jack and Sam discuss the power of trusted relationships, expert advice and supply chain resilience in helping to navigate the path ahead. We also hear from Dr Kerensa Hawkey and host Seth Conway.

In our latest podcast, join experts and JCB Farms as they discuss responsible worming practices, including optimal treatment timing and the importance of mastering faecal egg counts. Learn how to effectively use new group 4 and 5 drenches as break and quarantine doses to preserve wormer efficacy. Don’t let resistance take over on your farm—tune in now! Presented by Seth Conway.

Getting your calves off to the best start is crucial for maximising herd efficiency and profitability. Effective calf management is not just about healthy growth; it's also a key factor in reducing overall emissions. In this podcast, our experts share valuable insights on optimising calf management, from determining the ideal age for first calving to essential nutrition and health strategies. These practices are key to building a productive herd that’s not only profitable but also environmentally responsible. Presented by Seth Conway

Hear from Dairy Hygiene Specialist Mark Parkin and Riverford Organic Dairy's Herd Manager, Stuart Cock, on how the new and innovative teat hygiene product Virus Shield, exclusively available from Mole Valley Farmers, can help producers improve teat health, reduce carbon footprint and save energy costs. Speaking with farming presenter Seth Conway.

Experts warn that mineral deficiencies may be present in soils and crops this spring following one of the wettest winters on record. In this latest podcast, nutritionists and soil experts discuss the weather's impact on mineral levels and how farmers can avoid costly deficiencies in their stock. Presented by Seth Conway

Livestock farmers are facing forage shortages right across the UK following a challenging winter and wet spring. In this latest podcast, Mole Valley Farmers’ experts outline options for farmers facing forage shortages whilst safeguarding cow productivity and discuss cropping options producers should consider to safeguard feed resources for this coming winter. Presented by Seth Conway.

Hear how our latest partnership with Omega Crop can help you accurately predict daily grass covers from the comfort of your own home. In this podcast, Omega Crop co-founder Jared Bainbridge explains how new satellite technology predicts current grass covers and can forecast growth without walking fields and measuring by hand. Find out more about this groundbreaking technology by listening now. Presented by Seth Conway

Listen to our latest podcast on taking a balanced approach to establishing multispecies herbal leys as part of the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI). Our experts discuss key considerations, including establishment, how they can be grazed, and the pros and cons involved. If you’re considering establishing herbal leys as part of SFI, this is one podcast not to be missed. Presented by Seth Conway.

Join Mole Valley Feed Solutions’ Senior Nutritionist, Dr Robin Hawkey and Commercial Product Specialist from Lely, Jack McDill as they share their thoughts on automated milking and feeding systems. Hear about the importance of allowing the cow to express her natural behaviour, whilst supporting the liver, rumen, feet and udder. Good stockmanship, married with data analysis through the robot, is also a must. Hosted by Seth Conway. 

Hear how a revolutionary new weather station designed specifically for farmers gives more accurate information on the weather conditions on an individual field level, measuring everything from air temperature, humidity, soil temperature, and wind. Find out how it can be used on your farm in the coming season and save you time and money. Stefan Pederson from Cordulus and Lisa Hambly from Mole Valley Farmers are in conversation with Seth Conway.

Join Mole Valley Farmers' Head of Grassland and Forage Agronomy Lisa Hambly and Centre of Innovation and Excellence in Livestock's (CIEL) Dr Mark Young and Katrina Karpasitou in understanding why nitrogen matters in livestock production. This podcast will guide you from the soil up on how nitrogen can be used most efficiently on land and in animal diets. In conversation with presenter Seth Conway.

Our presenters discuss everything organic on this month’s Mole Valley Farmers’ Podcast. From the new dedicated organic feed mill at Uffculme, Devon and how that will benefit organic livestock producers to the latest on the organic markets and how organic farmers can maximise output from their land. This is one podcast not to be missed if you are an organic farmer. Listen now, hosted by Seth Conway

Understanding what is happening in the soil and nutrient levels in slurry is vital when compiling a nutrient management plan. In this latest podcast, experts Lisa Hambly, Head of Grassland and Forage Agronomy at Mole Valley Farmers and Dr Sajjad Awan and Dr Rory Geldard from NRM Laboratories talk through the importance of testing to overall farm performance and the huge environmental benefits. In conversation with Seth Conway.

With tupping around the corner, preparation is the key to a successful and productive season. In this podcast, Molecare Farm Vets, Alice Coppin-Harris and Steph Patel emphasise the importance of paying close attention to the often-overlooked rams, explaining what five T’s you should be checking before tupping. They also discuss flock ratios, ewe and ram nutrition and optimum body condition scores with host, Seth Conway.

A wet spring and dry start to the summer have provided difficult forage growing conditions for many farmers across the country, leaving many short of homegrown feed this winter. Get some top tips from experts in this latest podcast on overcoming forage shortages and why taking action now is essential rather than waiting until the winter. Mole Valley Farmers' Lisa Hambly and Dr Kerensa Hawkey are in conversation with Seth Conway.

Now that the weather has warmed up, parasites like ticks are starting to become more active. In this podcast we look at tick borne diseases in both cattle and sheep and how we can effectively manage them. Molecare Farm Vets Steph Patel and Alice Coppin-Harris are in conversation with our host Seth Conway.

With Biodiversity becoming one of the key pillars of sustainable agriculture, Mole Valley Farmers has collaborated with Trinity AgTech to create a podcast with Professor Simon Potts of Reading University. Here, he talks with Andy Adler of Molecare Farm Vets and Richard Anscombe of Trinity AgTech, to understand some of the benefits of biodiversity and opportunities UK farmers will have if they engage with biodiversity on farm. Presented by broadcaster Seth Conway.

As lambing is in full swing and the weather is starting to warm up, it's important to remember the risk that worms pose to grazing sheep, especially young stock. In this latest podcast, vets Steph Patel and Alice Coppin-Harris talk about identifying the worm risk and offer tips on escaping the pesky parasites this season. In conversation with Seth Conway

In this latest Mole Valley farmers Podcast, nutrtionist Dr Robin Hawkey and agronomist Lisa Hambly explain how a silage management plan can help farmers make the most of the valuable crop and provide some top tips on maximising yields and reducing losses this year. In conversation with Seth Conway. Find out more at moleonline.com

As timber stocks are replenished following unprecedented demand, Mole Valley Farmers’ Ian Hedden and M&M Timber’s Managing Director Fraser Hall talk about the return to normality and advancements in wood preservation. In conversation with Seth Conway.

Get some top lambing preparation tips from the team at Molecare Farm Vets in this dedicated lambing podcast. Vets Alice Coppin-Harris and Steph Patel discuss ways to maximise lamb survival this spring, including the importance of ewe body condition, key vaccinations and a shopping list of essential items that every farm should have ready and waiting in the lambing shed. Also, hear about the importance of good colostrum management, including key feeding targets. Get refreshed on your lambing tips now by listening to this conversation with Seth Conway.

Pollution incidents from farms are having a big impact on England’s rivers. In this latest podcast from Mole Valley Farmers, the Environment Agency’s Stephen Webster outlines the most common pollution incidents and how they can be prevented. Presented by Seth Conway with Mole Valley's Head of Grassland and Agronomy Lisa Hambly.

In the latest Mole Valley Farmers' podcast, hear from Volac International's John Williams and Mole Valley Farmers' Tom Trapnell on how a natural slurry additive can help farmers make more from their slurry.The easy-to-apply MicroZyme R product can reduce solids, control odour and retain nitrogen. Hear first-hand how it can be used and the benefits. John and Tom are speaking with our host Seth Conway. For more details please call 01769 576405

Last year's unpredictable weather created many challenges when feeding forage and managing soil conditions. As farmers head through the winter and look to the spring, there are some important health considerations to take on board- both for the livestock and the soil. Mole Care Farm Vets’ Andy Adler and Mole Valley Farmers’ Head of Grassland and Forage Agronomy Lisa Hambley offer top advice on overcoming the challenges this winter. Presented by Seth Conway. More advice at www.molecarevetservices.com

There's a lot being said right now about sustainability, achieving net zero and carbon calculations but what does it all mean for agriculture? The latest podcast from Mole Valley Farmers looks at how the industry can provide climate solutions that safeguard our natural resources, improve efficiencies as well as being good for businesses. Featuring Lisa Hambly, Head of Grassland and Agronomy at Mole Valley Farmers and Becky Wilson from Farm Carbon Toolkit. Presented by Seth Conway.

Milk processors are demanding farmers produce milk more sustainably, meaning they are being forced to look for solutions on their farms. In this latest podcast, Mole Valley Farmers’ Nutritionists Dr Kerensa Hawkey and Becky Hewlett outline ways farmers can feed their cows more sustainably. Presented by Seth Conway

Dairy farmers face being exposed to external factors that could severely affect their business. In this latest podcast, Mole Valley Farmers’ experts James Hague, Dr Robin Hawkey and Daniel McCreadie discuss with our host Seth Conway how farmers can help safeguard their businesses from rising interest rates, inflation, energy bills and volatile markets.

Plan, prepare and monitor is the message to ensure farmers have enough feed for their stock this winter. Silage samples are varied across the country and, for many, in short supply. In this latest podcast, Mole Valley Farmers’ Head of Alternative Feeds and Blends Shaun Hambley and Technical Services Manager Rachel Smithyman explore the most cost-effective winter feed options for livestock and ways to extend forage stocks, in conversation with Seth Conway.

2022 has been a tale of two halves for grassland farms across the UK, with some farmers experiencing extreme drought conditions whilst others bumper crops. In this latest podcast, we hear from Mole Valley Farmers' Head of Grassland and Forage Agronomy Lisa Hambly and Germinal UK’s Agricultural Sales Director Ben Wixey to find out what farmers can do now to safeguard against dry weather conditions and forage shortages in the future.